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Post by Lacey on Jan 21, 2017 19:10:14 GMT -5
There were definitely things that Lacey would have much rather been doing than selling. She had promised to make a scarf for Spot, and it had taken her forever to find the time when she could sit down and work on it. She couldn't afford to lose any more sleep or meals, and so after having finished selling the afternoon edition early, she had made her way to the park for some time to relax and begin working on it.
The weather hadn't improved too much; it was still just as cold as ever. The snow seemed to be continuous, falling all around her and practically freezing her as she would try selling to factory workers as they came out. Everyone just wanted to get home as quickly as possible, so she had learned to work quickly and remain not too far from the doors where they got out. Nonetheless, with her halfway-frozen fingers and the remnants of what had once been her jacket, she sat on the park bench and began knitting.
Hopefully, Spot would appreciate his late Christmas present.
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Post by Spot Conlon on Feb 8, 2017 19:23:54 GMT -5
It was another cold day in New York. Spot was really looking forward to when spring came. The snow was pretty and it was nice, but the feeling was getting old now. The boys were getting restless at the lodge... spring just wasn't coming fast enough! Spring wouldn't solve everything sadly. He knew spring would bring more chances of trouble, especially from Queens.
He sighed as he made his way through Prospect Park. It had been a rough day of selling. There hadn't been many people out and about to sell to. He had to change selling spots a couple times to make sure he had sold all his papers. He was just passing through the park to get to the lodge when he spotted a familiar face sitting on a bench in the distance.
Spot cocked his head slightly as he approached Lacey. "Hey... a bit cold ta be out still, don't you think?" he asked concerned.
The snow was falling rather thickly. It would be best to get indoors as soon as possible.
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Post by Lacey on Feb 10, 2017 22:42:47 GMT -5
Nothing around Lacey had seemed to move, drawing her out of her thoughts as she concentrated on the yarn. The knitting needles moved quickly and skillfully, binding the yarn together in what would hopefully turn out to be a scarf. A warm one, at that.
The thing that eventually pulled her attention away from the project in front of her was Spot's voice. She flashed a small smile, only bothering to cover what she had been making briefly. If he noticed, it didn't truly matter; she had promised to make him a scarf, after all. He knew that it was coming enough to probably be expecting it.
"I guess. I stopped noticin'." Lacey shrugged, her fingers having gone numb after the first few minutes. The rest of her was covered up enough to not be horribly cold, although she shivered faintly. It wasn't anything that she wanted Spot worrying about. It wouldn't make her sick. At least, not horribly.
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Post by Spot Conlon on Feb 10, 2017 23:08:29 GMT -5
"I guess. I stopped noticin'."
Spot raised an eyebrow, concern evident in his features. "Tjatbaint good you know..."
Numbness to the cold was a bad sign. He had heard many tales of newsies who didn't live at the lodge who died in the streets, taken in by the cold. That was the last thing he'd want for any of his newsies, especially Lacey.
He held out his hand to help her up from the bench. "We should head back at the lodge."
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Post by Lacey on Feb 10, 2017 23:13:29 GMT -5
"That ain't good you know..."
Lacey sighed softly, "'M fine, Spot. I promise." She knew that Spot was probably right, but Lacey liked to think that she knew what she could handle and what she couldn't, even if she was wrong in assuming so.
"We should head back at the lodge."
About to object, she managed to keep her mouth shut. Arguing with Spot was pointless, and she didn't want to. She enjoyed being around Spot, and she trusted him to make decisions that would be best for both her and the borough. She trusted him overall.
Taking his hand, Lacey slowly rose from her seat and sighed, doing her best to shield the cold of her fingers from the concerned newsie beside her. "Let's go."
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Post by Spot Conlon on Feb 10, 2017 23:21:18 GMT -5
"'M fine, Spot. I promise."
He couldn't help but sigh at her reply. It was that sort of recklessness that could hurt a newsie. But by now, Spot was very used to this sort of reply and action. Too many newsies ignored his warnings and got into trouble. At least none of them were in serious trouble. Just a few bumps and bruises and unpleasant colds and chills. Still... it would be nice if they listened. One of these days their luck would run out.
"Let's go."
Spot was relieved, however, that she didn't argue but instead accepted his hand. He frowned slightly, noting how cold her hand was in his. He decided not to mention it and quietly placed her hand and his in his coat pocket as they headed to the warmth of the lodges.
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Post by Lacey on Feb 10, 2017 23:26:26 GMT -5
Walking with Spot, by that point, had become something that Lacey found to be special. He was a gentleman, despite his somewhat cold demeanor upon first meeting him. She enjoyed being around him. He was the only person that she knew who could make silence perfectly fine. Nothing about it was awkward or uncomfortable, and she really liked that.
Her hand in his pocket, she walked with him towards the lodges, her other hand kept warm by the wool yarn which she clutched tightly, carrying it with her. Her hazel eyes scanned the horizon, a few people scattered here and there, both newsies and some richer folk, wrapped in coats twice their size. It brought a faint smile to Lacey's face to see them waddling around sometimes carrying twice their weight in fur.
"It may be cold, but it's the most beautiful time of the year." She commented offhandedly.
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Post by Spot Conlon on Feb 10, 2017 23:34:18 GMT -5
"It may be cold, but it's the most beautiful time of the year."
Spot blinked slightly in surprise as Lacey broke the silence between the two. It certainly wasn't unwelcome, but it did catch him off guard for a moment. He hoped she would mistake his blush for the cold. He had been thinking how nice she looked against snowy background that surrounded them. Her red hair stood out against the pure white. And well... he certainly favored the color red.
He nodded a little belatedly at her comment. "Yeah... it really is."
Brooklyn did look rather beautiful in her wintery coat. One could almost forget the cold when taking the time to appreciate the wonderland around them. Spot could almost understand why Cloud got so mesmerized by snow... he just wished his bird would focus on his health a little more.
"It really is," he added softly
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Post by Lacey on Feb 10, 2017 23:41:24 GMT -5
"Yeah... it really is."
For a moment, Lacey had been nervous that she had spoken too soon. She did find herself constantly wanted to impress Spot and make a good impression, although she was confused as to exactly why. There were many possibilities, including just wanting to be a good bird, or because he was her leader... Or perhaps something a bit more... Sentimental. She wasn't sure, but it happened nonetheless.
A faint smile tugged upwards at the corners of her lips, her gaze meeting his bright blue eyes. The winter snow seemed to make them lighter; a sky blue color that she thought was incredibly beautiful.
"It really is."
The soft repetition from Spot earned a slightly brighter grin from Lacey, her gaze finally dropping back to the ground, stepping in footprints that were becoming quickly covered by the gently falling snow. "I just wish the snow didn't make things so cold..." She whispered, her voice nearly inaudible to her own ears, as though it was some sort of secret meant for just the pair of them.
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Post by Spot Conlon on Feb 10, 2017 23:53:50 GMT -5
"I just wish the snow didn't make things so cold..."
Spot sighed in agreement, his breath coming out in a small white puff. "Yeah... it'd be nicer if wasn't so cold."
If the winter wasn't cold... he knew things could be so very different. Newsies wouldn't be so sick and wouldn't lose money frokmnot being able to sell. Jasper, his little brother, would be able to come out and play. But sadly, winter was cold so things would remain the same.
"It's a real pity..." he sighed softly.
He was walking a little slower as they neared the lodges. He wanted Lacey to get warm as soon as possible, but at the same time, he didn't want to leave her company. It felt so nice to be able to truly be more like himself when he was around her. Very few people were like that for him, so it was really nice. Their friendship was something he greatly valued. It was strange. He never thought he would become so close to a girl. His past thoughts on girls never had been so wrong.
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Post by Lacey on Feb 10, 2017 23:59:10 GMT -5
"Yeah... it'd be nicer if wasn't so cold."
Lacey quirked a smile, nodding and watching as the puff of air dissipated right in front of her eyes.
Being someone who got sick fairly easily, the wintertime had always been a time in which Lacey had been forced to be careful. While she never got horribly sick to the point where she couldn't sell, coughing and sneezing while selling papers had never done her any favors, either. People didn't pity her so much as they wanted to stay away from her.
"It's a real pity..."
The slight change in pace went almost completely unnoticed by Lacey, having pretty much just been walking by his side, determined to stay with him for however long she could. It wasn't every day that she would find someone to be comfortable with like Spot. He was special, in a sense, and she really liked that. "Yeah, it is..." She mumbled, referring more to the thought of leaving him by that point than she was to the weather, although she didn't state that thought outright. She simply glanced over at him, a slightly saddened glimmer in her eyes as she sighed and looked back ahead.
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Post by Spot Conlon on Feb 11, 2017 0:17:11 GMT -5
"Yeah, it is..."
Spot snuck a glance at her, wondering if maybe... no, he was assuming things.
He gave her a small smile. "If only we could change the weather, huh?" He sighed once more. "If only..."
He hated if onlys. Life was really just unfair at times. Like how the lodge was just too close the park. He wished the lodge was further away. The time to go their separate ways was drawing near.
Spot held her hand a little tighter, trying to make this moment last longer. He was feeling rather lonely lately. Lacey understood him... and he missed having that since his brothers no longer lived in Brooklyn and well he had no real close friends to just let things out and be himself like Lacey. Oh he had Cloud, but even Cloud wasn't the same as his brothers or Lacey. He didn't know why, but there was just something about Lacey...
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Post by Lacey on Feb 11, 2017 0:23:47 GMT -5
"If only we could change the weather, huh? If only..."
The words 'if only' could have easily meant a million things. However, when Spot said them, there was definitely one thing in particular that stood out to her. She just didn't want to say it out loud. She did, however, nod in agreement. "Yeah... If only."
Perhaps things could have been different. Perhaps she was overreacting, but she didn't just want to be one of the girls that Spot felt liked him just because he was in a position of power, or because he was 'cute.' She was better than that. She was different. She didn't even know if what she felt could be called anything along those lines. However, the moment that Spot's grip on her hand became just slightly firmer, the butterflies in her stomach gave the answer to that away pretty quickly.
As they approached the lodges, Lacey put in little effort to hide the saddened expression on her face. She didn't want to leave Spot; his hand holding onto hers had warmed her up in a way that no amount of hot cocoa or sitting by the fire ever could. "Is there, um, anything else that you need done? Anything at all?" She cleared her throat, searching for some sort of reason to remain speaking to him for a few moments longer.
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Post by Spot Conlon on Feb 11, 2017 10:20:57 GMT -5
"Yeah... If only."
Spot cracked a small smile. It seemed he wasn't the only one who wished things were different. Though how different would vary from person to person.
"Is there, um, anything else that you need done? Anything at all?"
He raised his eyebrow. He shouldn't be selfish... Lacey really should get inside and get warm, but when she offered like that? He couldn't resist. He didn't want to be alone.
"Actually..." he glanced at her hesitantly. "There um... is somethin'." He didn't really have anything, but he needed to come up with one fast. "I um... need ta get somethin' at the lodge first." That way the two of them could warm up a little... "I'll be back in jus' a few minutes."
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Post by Lacey on Feb 11, 2017 10:27:22 GMT -5
"Actually... There um... is somethin'."
Lacey had to admit, she was slightly surprised that Spot had even considered saying yes to her. Normally, he would have insisted on her getting inside before she had gotten seriously sick, although she was glad that he was willing to push that aside in favor of a bit more time.
"I um... need ta get somethin' at the lodge first. I'll be back in jus' a few minutes."
She cracked a smile. While she didn't know exactly what Spot needed from the lodge, she was happy that there was something. Quickly, she nodded, doing her best to hide her eagerness. "Okay. I can help ya out with anythin', if ya want."
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Post by Spot Conlon on Feb 11, 2017 10:47:11 GMT -5
"Okay. I can help ya out with anythin', if ya want."
Spot nodded quickly as their hands separated. He felt a bit lost without her hand... it was an odd feeling, but not an unwelcome feeling. He really needed to figure out something by the time he came back from the lodge though.
"I, uh, I really appreciate it," he answered, distractedly. He was a bit nervous. He had never lied like this before so he felt antsy. He needed think up something fast. What did he need to get from the lodge? And what was something Lacey could do for them? Anything... anything to stay in her company a little longer.
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Post by Lacey on Feb 11, 2017 10:55:35 GMT -5
"I, uh, I really appreciate it."
Lacey raised an eyebrow. Spot, who was usually quite firm with whatever he chose to do, was appearing to be slightly nervous and distracted. It was unlike him, although she assumed that there was something else going on. She didn't mention it, instead slowly nodding her head and flashing him a small smile.
She was surprisingly disappointed by the loss of contact with his hand. Her fingers had been warmed and that warmth had spread through her whole body, and that was beginning to fade with every passing second. It was a bit saddening, although again... She didn't want to say anything.
"Well, anything for you." Lacey replied nonchalantly.
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Post by Spot Conlon on Feb 11, 2017 11:15:22 GMT -5
"Well, anything for you."
Spot barely managed to suppress his shocked cough. His cheeks flushed from more than just. "Erm... thanks... I'll make it uh quick," he promised.
Feeling a little flustered, he quickly turned and made his way back to the boys' lodge. There was something that came to mind that he would like Lacey to help with now that he thought about it... He knew what to grab from the lodge. He felt a little lighter now that he knew what he needed. Lacey would definitely be the right choice for this.
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Post by Lacey on Feb 11, 2017 11:20:21 GMT -5
"Erm... thanks... I'll make it uh quick."
Lacey had barely processed what she had said until Spot responded. Almost immediately, a flaming red color formed on her cheeks to match her hair, and she cleared her throat, her gaze dropping to the ground in an effort to avoid eye contact.
As Spot went inside, she had to remind herself to continue breathing. It was a bit strange, although it wasn't an unwelcome feeling. After all, she probably would have done close to anything for Spot if he had asked. Not only as a leader, but as a person.
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Post by Spot Conlon on Feb 11, 2017 11:39:08 GMT -5
Spot hurried to the boys' lodge, mumbling a quick hello Mr. O'Quinn as he hurried up to the bunkroom. He knew he had it hidden around here somewhere. He fumbled around the bunkroom, thankful that the boys were still outside (probably getting into trouble, but he wasn't really worried about that right now). It was around here somewhere! He grumbled and muttered angrily under-breath in Gaelic as he continued searching. He barely heard Mr. O'Quinn asking him what he was doing. The lodge owner eventually gave up as Spot ignored him and kept wandering around the empty bunkroom.
He just couldn't remember where he hid it! Lacey was waiting... he hoped she was inside the girls' lodge waiting. That way she would be warm while she waited. He hated making her wait, but he just couldn't remember where he had left that... wait! His eyes brightened a moment before he hurried over towards his bunk. He couldn't believe he hadn't remembered this hiding place! There was a loose floorboard under his bunk where he hid a few items in an old box. Inside that old box was just the thing he needed help with. He gripped the item tightly in his hand before rushing back downstairs, leaving a rather flustered Mr. O'Quin.
He was panting when he finally arrived back where he left Lacey.
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Post by Lacey on Feb 11, 2017 11:44:07 GMT -5
Lacey hadn't really thought much about moving from where she was. She didn't notice the cold, although it wasn't because she was numb as she had been earlier. It was moreso because of everything that had been happening lately that had to do with Spot. He was a special part of her life, and she was always excited to talk to him. If she got the chance to spend more time with him for any reason, then that was something that she was going to do without much questioning or prompting needed at all.
As Spot appeared again, Lacey had been struggling to fight back the blush on her cheeks. However, the moment that Spot came back out of the lodging house, clutching something in his hand, all bets were off. Her cheeks turned red again, albeit not such a flaming scarlet color, and she was suddenly unsure about whether or not Spot would notice it.
"What's that?" She inquired curiously.
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Post by Spot Conlon on Feb 11, 2017 12:26:41 GMT -5
"What's that?"
Spot looked up at her, slightly surprised to see her still standing right where he left her. It took him a few moments, but he finally caught his breath.
"This... this is what I'd like your help with." He held out a rather worn looking map. It had some off dark brown stains on it and the corners were torn up a bit. "I think it's trouble... but I ain't sure. I can't seem ta figure out what it's for."
He opened the map so she could see. It wasn't a very good map. It looked a bit scraggly and none of the lines were very straight. But one look, and you could tell it was a map of the main boroughs of New York City. In every borough there was a strange smudge located near the newsies lodges.
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Post by Lacey on Feb 11, 2017 15:43:37 GMT -5
"This... this is what I'd like your help with."
Lacey was a bit surprised to see the map. It wasn't something that she expected, especially since maps were usually so straightforward, although upon having glanced over the map, nothing seemed to make sense. It was obviously of something, although she had no idea exactly what it was for.
"I think it's trouble... but I ain't sure. I can't seem ta figure out what it's for."
She nodded slowly, moving a bit closer and glancing over the map. She could see the outlines of the boroughs, although the map itself appeared to have been done in some sort of hurry. She didn't know why.
"Is it leadin' ta anythin'? Or is it just a map of the city?" She inquired, turning her attention back to Spot.
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Post by Spot Conlon on Feb 11, 2017 16:11:59 GMT -5
"Is it leadin' ta anythin'? Or is it just a map of the city?"
Spot sighed. "That's the problem... I don't know exactly." He traced a few lines on the map that seemed like directions to different places except there were no words. Just little doodles here and there. "I got this map a long time ago." He made a slight face. It wasn't the most pleasant memory. "Back when I was a boid for Dragon. He had me doin' a favor for him... and well, got inta a fight with some Queens and got this map from one of the kids."
He frowned some at the map, wishing there was some sort of clue on it. "It's gotta be somethin'... somethin' important or the kid wouldn't have been like that, you know?"
Lacey probably didn't... but he had a feeling she would understand what he meant. That was why he was even letting her see this map. He had never shown it to anyone before, not even Thunder or Cloud. He had kept it secret, unsure of what to do with it. But now, he had a feeling he could trust Lacey and get some good input on what this map could mean.
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Post by Lacey on Feb 11, 2017 16:24:20 GMT -5
"That's the problem... I don't know exactly."
Lacey bit her lip. Puzzles had never really been something that she was great at, although she assumed that she might as well try to make something work. For Spot.
"I got this map a long time ago. Back when I was a boid for Dragon. He had me doin' a favor for him... and well, got inta a fight with some Queens and got this map from one of the kids."
She swallowed thickly. The story seemed genuine, yes, but that didn't mean that it made things any easier. What happened in Queens stayed in Queens, although she figured that if they couldn't figure it out on their own, they knew someone that could.
"What about Whisper?" Lacey mumbled, figuring that it was worth a shot. "She could know."
"It's gotta be somethin'... somethin' important or the kid wouldn't have been like that, you know?"
Lacey nodded, sighing. It didn't make things clear, but even if they could figure out which borough was which on the map, they could start knowing more about what they were supposed to be looking for.
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